Ligo Dojo Instructors and Technical Committee Members Amy Kaufman (shodan) and Donald Harris (1st kyu) will be representing the United States on June 23rd, in Kyokushin-Kan’s World Kata Championships in Tokyo, and the following day Don Harris will be competing in Kyokushin-Kan’s weight category tournament with Shinken Shobu Rules (legal head punches). Can you help support their trip? We decided to send them at the very last minute because other competitors from the United States had not enrolled. If any Budo Karate West reader can help support their trip, whether with $5 or $500, please contact us, or click here to make a contribution. Our dojo is a 501.c.3 nonprofit, and even though, in this case, you’d be supporting our instructors, rather than our kids, your contributions are tax deductible (US).

Amy (left front), and Don (right front) are members of Ligo Dojo’s new Technical Committee.

Amy fought in the World Tournament in Hungary in 2009. Despite this ferocious picture, she lost this fight against South Africa’s champion.

Don Harris has fought once before in Japan. In this first round fight of the All-Japan tournament, he’s fighting against the competitor who one the entire day. I.e. Don had the luck (depending on how you look at it) to face the champion in the very first round.

Amy competing in a North America kata tournament.

Below are some clips of Donald fighting recently in Rochester, NY.